Combination lock



Feb. 5, 1935. A. H. wooDWARD 1,989,780

COMBINATION LOCK Filed July 2, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 maw,

Feb. 5, 1935. A` H. WOODWARD 1,989,780

COMBINATION Loox Filed July 2, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 5, 1935. A. H.WOODWARD 1,989,780

COMBINATION LOCK Filed July 2, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Feb. 5,1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

The present invention relates to combination locks.

The fundamental object of the invention is to provide a combination lockin which the combinaton can be changed from the exterior of the lock, i.e. the combination can be changed without the necessity of taking thelock apart.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combination lock inwhich the combination can be changed by direct manipulation of the sameknob or dial which is ordinarily operated in releasing the lock.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combination lock inwhich the combination can be changed from the exterior of the lock onlywhen the lock is in released condition.

Numerous advantages accrue to the ability to change the combination ofthe lock from the exterior thereof. For example, in the case of safetydeposit boxes having the conventional types of combination locks,whenever the box is rented to a new depositor, the combination lock mustbe taken apart and an explanation made to the depositor of the method ofsetting the pins or tumblers for a new combination, in order that he canset his own combination in secrecy, Without the assistance of the bankemployees. Much diiculty is frequently experienced by the new depositorin properly setting the pins or tumblers, and in reassembling the lockafter the new combination has been established. All of this is avoidedby the use of my improved lock, since the establishment of a newcombination does not necessitate taking the lock apart, and since themethod of setting the new combination by appropriately rotating the knobof the lock can be easily explained. There are innumerable otherinstances where a combination lock of this characteristic is desirable,as, for example, in situations where employees are frequently changed,necessitating frequent changes of the combination, or in the case ofstrong boxes, trunks, tire locks., etc. where the purchaser may desireto change the combination himself after purchasing the article.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a combination lockwhich is of small, compact dimensions and which is of inexpensiveconstruction, thereby adapting it to widespread utility for filingcabinets, desk drawers, etc., where large. expensive locks would not befeasible.

Further objects of the invention are: To provide an improved combinationlock which can be operated in the dark; to provide a combination lock ofthe aforesaid general description which is tamper proof and cannot bepicked or deciphered by sense of feel; and to improve upon locks of thistype generally.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating a typical, preferredembodiment of my invention on an enlarged scale:

Figure 1 represents a typical installation, being a vertical sectionalview through the drawer of a filing cabinet or desk, showing my improvedlock mounted therein;

Figure 2 is an axial sectional view through the lock, illustrating theposition of the parts when the mechanism is locked;

Figure 3 is a similar View, but illustrating portions of the tumblers,etc. in elevation, and showing the general relation of the parts whenthe actuating knob is pulled forwardly for releasing the lock;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but illustrating the clampingpressure removed from the locking rings and illustrating in exaggeratedproportions the resulting spaces between the locking rings and spacingrings which enable the locking rings to be rotated by the outeractuating knob for changing the combination;

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately on the planeof the line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately on the planeof the line 6-6 of Figure 3;

Figure '7 is a perspective view, showing in exploded relation, thenormally stationary parts of the lock assembly, comprising thecylindrical casing, the locking and spacing rings which are assembledtherein, and the clamping plates which rigidly lock the aforesaidlocking rings in place after a new combination has been set up in thelock;

Figure 8 is a similar perspective, exploded View illustrating thenormally movable parts of the assembly comprising the tumblers, shaft,actuating knob, etc.

Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional View, on an enlarged scale, of amodied form of my invention;

Figures 10, 11, l2 and 13 are transverse sectional views taken on theplanes of the lines 10-10, 1l-11, 12-12 and 13-13, respectively, inFigure 9;

Figure 14 is a perspective view in exploded relation showing one of thetumblers, one of the locking rings and one of the spacing rings of themodied construction, and

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of this modi- 55 fled constructionshowing a master-bolt actuating attachment.

In Figure 1 my improved combination lock, indicated in its entirety at14, is shown in a typical installation in the front panel 15 of a drawerin a filing cabinet or desk. Any suitable locking bolt arrangement maybe provided for actuation by the combination lock; in the illustratedarrangement a locking bolt 16 being projected upwardly from the edge ofthe drawer into position behind a keeper 17 secured to a stationary part18 of the cabinet or desk. The combination lock 14 comprises an axialshaft 19 which is moved longitudinally in effecting the throwing of thebolt 16. Any suitable motion transmitting mechanism may be provided fortranslating the endwise motion of the shaft 19 into proper actuation ofthe bolt 16; in the illustrated arrangement the lower end of the bolthas a U-shaped bracket 21 secured thereto and the side arms of thisbracket are provided with inclined cam slots 22, in which engage theends of a transverse pin 23 anchored in the end portion of the shaft 19.The shaft passes through an elongated slot 24 in the bolt 16. It will beevident that endwise motion of said shaft operates through the pin 23and cam slots 22 to project the bolt either upwardly or downwardly. Asuitable housing 25 encloses these bolt actuating parts, said housinghaving an outwardly extending flange 25a by which it is secured to otherparts of the lock assembly. The mounting of the bolt may be reenforcedby an inner plate 26 which is secured to the inner side of the frontwall 15 of the drawer and which has a forwardly extending upper flange26a provided with a suitable guide slot through which the bolt passes.

Referring to Figure 7, the combination lock comprises a cylindricalcasing 28 having apertured ears 28a projecting outwardly thereform atits rear end. A front clamping plate 29 has a cylindrical openingtherein slipping freely over the barrel or casing 28. A rear clampingplate 31 is disposed in rear of the casing 28 and has forwardlyextending studs 31a anchored therein, which studs are adapted to enterthe holes in the ears 28a for holding the casing 28 against rotation.Holes 31h in the corners of the rear clamping plate 3l are adapted topass screws 32 which thread into tapped holes 29b in the front clampingplate 29. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the cylindrical casing 28 isextended forwardly through a cylindrical hole 34 in the drawer panel andthe front and rear clamping plates 29-31 are disposed in a rectangularrecess 35 formed in said panel. Preferably, the clamping screws 32 alsopass through holes in the ange 25a of the rear casing 25, and spacingsleeves 36 are mounted on the clamping screws between said flange andthe rear clamping plate 31 whereby clamping pressure exerted throughthese screws will not bind and prevent reciprocation of the bolt 16.

Assembled within the cylindrical casing 28 is a series of locking rings37, 38 and 39, together with a series of spacing rings 41, 42 and 43.One of these spacing rings is interposed between each pair of lockingrings, and a final spacing ring is interposed between the rearmostlocking ring and the rear clamping plate 31. The front end of thecylindrical casing 28 is provided with a small inturned flange 28eforming an inner rim or shoulder against which the front locking ring 37bears, as illustrated in Figures 2-4. With the several rings assembledwithin the casing 28, the rear spacing ring 43 projects slightly beyondthe rear end of the casing. It will hence be seen that by drawing up onthe clamping screws 32 the tendency is to draw the front and rearclamping plates 29 and 3l together thereby firmly clamping all of therings together against rotation within the casing 28. The locking ringshave inwardly extending lugs 37a, 38a and 39a and, as hereinafterdescribed, changing the cornbination of the lock is effected by rotatingthese rings to dispose said lugs in different angular positionsrelatively to each other. Such rotation of the locking rings ispermitted upon releasing the clamping pressure exerted by the screws 32,this only being possible when the lock is unlocked and the drawer isopen to afford access to the heads of the screws from the inside of thedrawer. Each of the aforesaid rings has a peripheral notch 37b, 38h,etc. which enable the rings toy pass three spaced studs or splinemembers 44, 45 and 46 which are rigidly secured in the casing 28 andproject inwardly therefrom. The location of these studs longitudinallyof the casing is such that at all times one of the studs is engaging ineach one of the notches or keyways 41D, 42h and 43h of the three spacingrings, whereby at all times the spacing rings are held against rotationin the operation of changing the combination of the lock. Since thenotches or keyways 37b, 38h and 39h of the locking rings are not inregister with these studs, these rings can be rotated in the casing whenthe clamping pressure is released from the rings as previouslydescribed.

The inwardly projecting lugs 37a, 38a and 39a of these locking ringsconstitute the register or keying elements, with which the notches inthe tumbler discs must be brought into registry before the lock can bereleased.

Referring to Figure 8, the tumbler discs are indicated at 47, 48 and 49.These tumbler discs are each provided with a single peripheral notch orkeyway 47a, 48a and 49a which extends from one face to the other of eachdisc and which is caused to register respectively with the register orkeying elements 37a, 38a and 39a of the locking rings when the tumblerdiscs have been rotated into the proper combination. The front face ofeach disc is also provided with a series of false or teaser notches 47h,48h, 49h which are relatively shallow pockets which are also capable ofreceiving the register elements 37a, 38a and 39a, and thereby serving toconfuse any one attempting to pick or circumvent the lock. The fronttumbler 47 has a pin 47e projecting from its rear face; the rear tumbler49 has a like pin 49o projecting from its front face; and theintermediate tumbler 48 has a pin 48C passing entirely therethrough andprojecting from both faces thereof for coaction with the pins 47e and49o.

The three tumbler discs are all mounted fory free, independent rotationon the shaft 19. This shaft has a longitudinal keyway 19a extendingsubstantially the entire length of the shaft. Interposed between thethree tumbler discs are spacing collars 5l and 52, having inwardlyextending keys 51a and 52a which fit in the keyway 19a. This shaft iscapable of reciprocation, but is held against rotation by the transversepin 23 at its rear end; the aperture in the rear clamping plate 31through which this shaft passes may also be provided with an inwardlyextending lug 53 for engaging in the keyway 19a, in order to assist inholding the shaft against rotation. The front spacing collar 51 ispreferably fastened to the shaft by a pin 54 passing through the collarand through the shaft. The tumblers 47, 48 and -49 are assembled withinthe group of rings 37-43,

within which rings the tumblers are capable of rotation, and are held inassembled relation on the shaft 19 by a U-shaped key washer 56 whichengages in an annular groove 57 formed in the shaft 19 at a point justbeyond the rear tumbler 49. A flexible spring Washer 58 may beinterposed between the key washer 56 and the rear tumbler 49.

Mounted on the front end of the shaft 19 for free rotation thereon isthe operating knob or dial 61 by which the lock is operated. Rigid withthe frontend of the shaft is a flange or end disc 62 which is set in anannular recess in the knob 61 and prevents the knob from being pulledoutwardly off the end of the shaft. Projecting from the rear side of theknob 6l are two lugs 63 which engage in sockets 64 formed in a hubportion 65 projecting forwardly from the I'lrst tumbler 47. This coupledrelation compels said first tumbler 47 to turn with the knob 61 at alltimes. The pinned relation of the first spacing collar 51 to the shaft19 directly back of the rst tumbler, and the engagement of the keywasher 56 in the annular groove 57 in back of the last tumbler, compelsthe three tumblers, the shaft 19 and the knob 61 to reciprocate as aunit when the knob is pushed inwardly or pulled outwardly.

Closing the open front end of the barrel 28 is a cup-shaped end cap 66which preferably reciprocates directly with the operating knob 61 butwhich is held against rotation relatively to the barrel 28. Thetransverse web portion 66a of this cap is confined between the innerside of the knob 61 and the front side of the boss 65 projecting fromthe tumbler 47 (Figure 2) whereby the knob and tumbler can rotaterelatively to said cap but the cap is compelled to move longitudinallywith the knob. An inwardly bent spur 66h at the inner end of the capfits slidably in a longitudinal slot 28d formed in the outer portion ofthe barrel 28, this arrangement holding the cap against rotationrelatively to the barrel but permitting endwise motion of the cap withthe knob.

In the preferred construction, the rotative movements of the knob 61 tothe right and to the left are calculated by counting the impulses of aspring click comprising a ball 68 mounted in a hole in the knob 61 andhaving a compression spring 69 pressing against the ball. The webportion 66a of the end cap 66 is provided with a circularly groupedseries of holes or depressions 71 therein into which the ball issuccessively snapped in the rotation of the knob 61. A starting or indexpoint, from which the spring click impulses are counted, is establishedby providing a notch 74 at one point in the outer periphery of the knob6l. The index point from which the first number of the combination iscounted may be based on having this notch at the very top or at thebottom of the knob, as a starting point. By sense of touch afforded bythis notch such index point can be readily ascertained in the dark, byrst appropriately disposing this notch in the aforesaid position, andthereafter the combination can be gone through by counting the impulsesof the spring click 68. If desired, additional index indicia may beprovided by forming a small slot or other mark 75 in the front face ofthe knob, which mark is adapted to register with a like mark 76 in thefront face of the shaft or end disc 62 when the knob is atthe startingpoint. While the spring click method of reckoning the rotative movementof the knob in each direction is preferable because of the ability tooperate the lock in the dark, and because of the greater secrecyresulting from the inability of any bystander to observe the degree ofeach rotative movement, it will of course be understood that a numericaldial arrangement can be provided by placing a circular group of dialnumbers or marks, like the mark 75, around the front face of the knob61, or by placing a circular group of dial numbers or marks, like themark 76, around the front face of the end head 62. With such dialingarrangement the spring click might be dispensed with.

In describing the operation of the lock it will be assumed that thereare ten click depressions 71 which, counting from the zero or indexposition with the notch 74 at the very top of the knob 61, will count insuccessive steps from 0 to 9 inclusive. It shall be assumed that thecombination is: right 7-left 17--right 8. For this combination. all ofthe tumblers are co1- lected by successive revolutions of the knob 61 tothe right (clockwise), the tumblers being collected by two or more suchrevolutions to the right, which brings all three tumbler pins 47c, 48eand 49e in series contact, substantially as illustrated in Figures 3 and4. The knob is then rotated to bring the notch 74 up to the index orstarting position at the top of the knob, and starting from this indexpoint the first number of the combination is counted off by continuingsuch right hand or clockwise rotation of the knob through seven steps orclicks from the index position. This leaves the notch 49a of the lasttumbler 49 in registry with the register lug 39a of the last lockingring 39. The direction of rotation of the knob 61 is now reversed, so asto leave this last tumbler 49 in its position of registry, and in thisreverse rotation of the knob to the left seventeen clicks or steps arecounted off from the point where said last tumbler was left. Theseseventeen steps carry the front tumbler pin 47e around to engage on thereverse side of the intermediate tumbler pin 48e, whereupon theintermediate tumbler is picked up to rotate with the first tumbler 47 inthis left hand or counterclockwise direction. At the end of theseventeenth step in this direction the notch 48a of the intermediatetumbler 48 will be in registry with the register lug 33d of theintermediate locking ring 38. From this position the direction ofrotation of the knob 61 is now reversed, so as to leave the intermediatetumbler 48 in its position of registry, and eight steps are now countedof in such rotation of the knob to the right, counting from the pointwhere the intermediate tumbler was left. The completion of this eighthstep to the right places the notch 47a of the first tumbler 47 inregistry with the register lug 37a of the first locking ring 37.Thereupon the lock can be unlocked. This is accomplished by pulling theknob 6l outwardly, which operates through the shaft 19 to draw the threetumblers forwardly, at which time the notches therein move forward overtheir respective register elements 37a, 38a and 39a. The forward motionof the shaft 19 operates through the pin 23 and cam slots 22 to retractthe bolt 16 to its released position, enabling the drawer to be opened.Relooking the device merely involves thrusting the knob 61 inwardly torestore the tumblers to their normal positions, as illustrated in Figure2, and then rotating the knob in one direction or the other to destroythe set-up of the tumblers. (Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the knob andtumblers drawn forward in the lock releasing operation and in thesefigures the three notches 47a, 48a and 49a and the three registerelements 37a, 38a and 39a are shown in 1ongitudinal alignment, thisshowing being made solely for the purpose of illustrating theconstruction and operation to better advantage, but such alignedcondition of the register elements on the tumblers and on the lockingrings would probably never be assumed in the normal operation of thelock).

It will of course be understood that the right and left sequence of thecombination may be reversed if desired in the setting of thecombination; for example, the combination might beleft 7-right l7-left8. Also, the operating method may be modified, if desired, by followingthe practice of going back to the index point before starting to countoff the steps for the intermediate tumbler 48, whereby in a ten-stepconstruction such as illustrated, the combination number for theintermediate tumbler 48 would be a number not exceeding 10. This sameresult-having a combination number for the intermediate tumbler notexceeding l-might be obtained by having two spaced pins projectingforwardly from the front face of the intermediate tumbler 48 orprojecting rearwardly from the rear face of the front tumbler 47, so asto reduce the amount of rotation necessary to position the intermediatetumbler in its registry position for unlocking. In lieu of two spacedpins on either of the tumblers 47 or 48, the same result can be securedby providing a segment on one of these tumblers of predeterminedangul-ar length for cooperating with the pin on the other tumbler.

To change the combination of the lock, the lock is first placed inreleased condition with the tumblers drawn forwardly to have theirnotches embracing the register lugs 37a, 38a and 39a. rIhe four clampingscrews 32 are then f actuated from the inside of the drawer, to backthese screws away sufficiently to remove all clamping pressure from therings 37-43. Figure 4 illustrates the clamping pressure released fromthese rings by illustrating spaces in exaggerated form betweensuccessive rings, but it will be understood that in practice theclamping pressure need only be released to the point where the lockingrings 37, 38 and 39 can be freely rotated. These three locking rings arenow under the control of their companion tumblers 47, 48 and 49, sincethe register portions (the lugs) of said rings are engaging in theregister portions (the notches) of the companion tumblers, and hence byrotating the tumblers the said rings can be rotated to position theirrespective register lugs in different angular settings. The tumblers arefirst all collected, as by rotating the knob 6l to the right throughsuccessive revolutions, and this brings all three tumbler pins 47C, 48oand 49e into series contact, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The newcombination is now established by rotating the knob 61 in theapproprviate direction and through the same distances that will besubsequently used in unlocking the lock in its new combination. Forexample, for a new combination of-right -left 12-right 3, starting from0 position the knob is turned to the right through six steps, then tothe left through twelve steps and then to the right through three steps.Thereupon, the clamping screws 32 are tightened to rigidly clamp all ofthe rings 37 to 43 inclusive in stationary relation. The above describedrotative movements of the knob resulted in the register lug 39a beingleft in position corresponding to--right 6; in the register lug 38abeing left in position corresponding to-left 12; and in the register lug37a being left in position corresponding to-right 3. In the rotation ofthese locking rings 37, 38 and 39 the spacing rings 41, 42 and 43 weremaintained in stationary relation by the engagement of their notches4117, etc. over the studs 44, 45 and 46, and these stationary spacingrings prevented the rotation of any later actuated locking ring fromtransmitting any rotative force tending to disturb the setting of apreviously located locking ring. After the tightening of the screws 32the lock is then ready to operate in its new combination.

As previously remarked, it will be understood that the right and leftsequence may be reversed if desired; for example, the new combinationmight be madeleft -right 12-left 3. It will also be understood that morethan three tumblers might be employed and, furthermore, the tumblers inlarge embodiments might be made of much larger size (the accompanyingdrawings of Figures 1 8 being approximately twice the scale of a typicalsmall embodiment) which would permit of a much finer subdivision of eachtumbler movement than ten steps per revolution. The false or teasernotches 47h, etc. in the tumblers greatly increase the difficulty ofcircumventing the lock, even in the small three tumbler type that I haveshown, because one attempting to feel out the combination cannot detectthe difference between the teaser notches and the genuine notches 47a,and only the latter permit the necessary amount of longitudinal movementrequired to release the lock.

In Figures 9, l0, 11, 12, etc. I have illustrated a modifiedconstruction differing principally from the preceding construction inthat the rotatable locking rings are not held in their new positions byclamping pressure, but by a releasable detent or keying member,generally indicated at 81. This keying member is pivotally mounted atits inner end on a cross pin 82 which is carried by the cylindricalcasing 28' of the lock. In its normal position said member is swunginwardly to repose in a longitudinal slot 83 provided in the casing 28directly above the locking rings 37', 38' and 39', and in this normalposition said keying member 81 engages in peripheral notches in saidlocking rings for holding the latter against rotation. When said keyingelement is swung up to released position, substantially as indicated indotted lines in Figure 9, the locking rings are free to be turned, Aleaf spring 84 has its free end bearing against a flat surface 85 formedon the inner side of the hub portion of said keying element 81 fornormally holding the latter in its ring locking position.

This modified construction also incorporates other alternative features,such as the reversal of the register elements as by providing theregister lugs on the tumblers and the register notches in the lockingrings; the mounting of the bolt actuating parts Within the lock casings28', etc. which will now be described. The casing 28' is made suicientlylong to enclose the bolt actuating parts, and has its rear end closed byan end head 87 which is suitably secured to the casing. The shaft 19'has reciprocable bearing support in this end head, and the rear end ofthe leaf spring 84 has a widened portion which is fixedly secured tosaid end head by rivets 88. The locking bolt 16 is in this instance inthe form of a button or tapered head which is adapted to be projecteddownwardly through a hole 91 in the bottom of the casing 28. Said boltis riveted at 92 in the transverse bottom portion 21" of a U-shaped boltactuating member 21'. The side wings of this bolt actuating memberextend up on opposite sides of the shaft 19' and have inclined cam slots22 therein in which engage the ends of the transverse pin 23 which isanchored in the shaft. The rear end of said actuating member 21 ispivotally mounted on a cross pin 93 having its ends supported in theside walls of the casing, and a coil spring 94 is wound around said pinand has its ends bearing respectively against the casing and against thebottom portion 21" of the actuating member and normally tending to swingthe locking projection 16' outwardly into locking position.

The rear portion of the operating knob 61 extends into the open frontend of the casing sleeve 28'. The knob carries two diametricallyopposite ball clicks 68' which are adapted to snap into a circularseries of holes 71 which are formed in a disc 96 mounted in the casingat the inner end of the knob. Diametrically opposite slots 97 extendinwardly from the front end of the casing .for receiving lugs 96projecting outwardly from the disc (Figure 11) whereby the disc 96 isheld against rotation. The casing sleeve is provided with an inwardlyextending annular flange 98 against which the disc can bear. 'Iheprovision of two spring clicks 68 at diametrically opposite points inthe knob 61' avoids side twist on the knob from the spring pressure ofthe clicks, and this provision of two spring clicks can also beincorporated in the previously described embodiment.

The three locking rings 37', 38' and 39' each has a rotatable fit in thecasing 28'. The front locking ring 37 bears against the inwardlyprojecting casing ange 98. A spacing ring 41' is interposed between thelocking rings 37' and 38', and a second spacing ring 42' is interposedbetween the locking rings 38' and 39. A snap ring 43 having separatedends is sprung into an annular groove 101 formed in the inside of thecasing 28', this snap ring holding the assembly of locking and spacingrings 37-42' in place in the casing. The two spacing rings 41' and 42'are held against rotation by providing each with a downwardly extendinglug 41b' and 42h which project into a longitudinal slot 102 in thebottom of the casing 28'. The spring grip of the snap ring 43 in thegroove 101 holds the latter against rotation.

As shown in Figures 9 and 14, each of the three locking rings 37', 38and 39' is of cup shape comprising an inwardly extending radial flangeand a longitudinally extending peripheral flange. Equally spaced aroundthe periphery of each locking ring are ten notches or slots 104 in whichthe pivoted keying arm 81 is adapted to engage. The radially extendingange of each ring is provided with a single register notch or keyway47a', 48a and 49 which extends from one side to the other of the ringange and which are caused to register respectively with the register orkeying elements 37a, 38a and 39a of the tumblers 47, 48 and 49'. As bestshown in Figure 14, the inner face of the radially extending flangeportion of each locking ring is also provided with a series of false orteaser notches 47b',

48h' and 49h which are relatively shallow pockets also capable ofreceiving the register elements 37a', 38a' and 39a', and thereby servingto confuse anyone attempting to pick or circumvent the lock.

The three tumblers 47, 48 and 49 are all mounted for independentrotation on the shaft 19' in substantially the same manner previouslydescribed, i. e., spacing collars 51` and 52 are interposed betweenthese three tumbler discs, being held against rotation by transversepins 51a and 52a', however, instead of by keys and keyways, and the endtumbler being held in assembled relation on the shaft by a U-shaped keywasher 56 which engages in an annular groove 57' formed in the shaft andwhich confines a ilexible spring washer 58 against the rear tumbler 49'.The operating knob 61 is operatively coupled to the rst tumbler 47' bytwo lugs 63 which engage in sockets 64' formed in the front face of thetumbler. The lugs 63' project from the reduced hub portion 63a whichextends from the rear face of the knob and has rotatable bearing supportin the central aperture of the disc 96, whereby said disc and hubportion 63a establish bearing support for the front end of the shaft19'.

The front and rear tumblers 47 and 49 have tumbler pins 47e and 49e'projecting therefrom, substantially as previously described, these pinor lug projections either being integral portions of the tumblers orbeing headed pins anchored in the tumblers. The intermediate tumbler 48'may have a single pin extending entirely therethrough or it may have thepin which projects from one face of the tumbler in diametricallyopposite or other angular relationship to the pin which projects fromthe other face of the tumbler.

When a combination has been properly establishedl in the lock one of theperipheral slots 104 in each of the three locking rings will bepresented in register with the longitudinal slot 83 in the casing,whereby the keying nger 81 can engage in these aligned slots of allthree locking rings and hold them against rotation. The spacing rings 41and 42' also have slots cut therethrough which register with the casingslot 83 for permitting the finger 81 to occupy this locking position.The running of the combination, in the operation of unlocking the lock,is performed in the same manner previously described so as to4 bring thelugs 37a', 38a' and 39a' in proper angular positions for registry withthe registered notches 47a', 48a and 49a' of the locking rings.rFnereupon, the knob 61' is drawn forwardly, the ability of the registerlugs to move forwardly into the register notches permitting suchmovement, and such forward motion of the shaft 19 operating through thepin 23 and cam slots 22 to swing the bolt element 16' up into retractedposition in the casing 28.

In the installation of the lock, whether installed in a desk drawer,filing cabinet or any other type of closure element, the arrangement isalways such that when the closure element is closed and locked thekeying finger 81 is inaccessible. When it is desired to change thecombination of the lock, the lock is unlocked to release the closureelement whereby access can be gained to the finger 81. By inserting apin or any other instrument under the front end of said finger it can beswung up out of the slot 83 into a released position, substantially asindicated in dotted lines. This frees all of the locking rings 37', 38'and 39'. Thereupon, a new combination can be set by rotating the knob 61through successive revolutions to collect all of the tumblers andlocking rings, and then proceeding to set up a new combination byappropriate rotation of the knob in the proper directions and throughthe proper distances to set up the desired new combination. The lockingrings are compelled to rotate with their respective tumblers during thisoperation because of the engagement of the register lugs on the tumblerswith the register notches in the rings. After the new combination hasbeen established the keying nger 81 is swung down into its normallocking position, whereby it is caused to engage in the alignedperipheral slots 104 of the three locking rings, thereby xedly holdingsaid rings against rotation as long as the lock remains with thiscombination.

It will be evident that this latter embodiment affords a quick,convenient method of releasing the locking rings for the setting ofdifferent combinations. Such embodiment also illustrates a reversedrelation of the register portions, with the register lugs 37a', etc.provided on the tumblers and the register notches 47a formed in therings, which reversed relation can be incorporated in the embodiment ofFigures 1 to 8, inclusive, or the arrangement of the lugs and notchesillustrated in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, can also beembodied in the construction of Figures 9 to 15, inclusive.

The locking bolt 16 is arranged to cooperate with a suitable keeperopening in a stationary part of the device to be locked and mayconstitute the sole locking part; or, as illustrated in Figure l5, anextension portion 108 may be secured to the casing 28 and carry asuitable cam guide 109 for actuating a main locking bar. For example, inthe case of a filing cabinet or other device having a multiplearrangement of drawers or the like closure elements the locking barresponsive to the cam slot 109 would serve to lock or unlock all of thedrawers. In such event the bolt 16' would serve solely to release thelock casing 28', whereby it could be drawn forwardly through a longerrange of motion than is afforded by the motion of the shaft 19 withinsaid casing, in order to obtain the desired range of movement forunlocking all of the drawers.

While I have illustrated what I regard to be the preferred embodiment ofmy invention, nevertheless it will be understood that numerousmodications and rearrangements may be made therein without departingfrom the essence of the invention. For example, in a multiple tumblerlock, not all the locking rings 37, 38, 39, etc. need be capable ofadjustment to a different position, but one or even more of theregistration lugs might be xed in a permanent, unchangeable position.

I claim:

1. A lock comprising a rst register element adapted to occupy a positiondening a registry point, a second register element rotatable andreciprocable relatively thereto and permitting unlocking of the lockwhen said second element is in position to permit predetermined registrybetween said two elements at said registry point, means supporting saidfirst register element enabling the latter to be moved in order todifferently locate said registry point, and an external operating knoboperatively connected to rotate and reciprocate said second registerelement.

2. A combination lock comprising a rst group of register elementsadapted to occupy positions whereby each element defines a registrypoint individual to that element, a second group of register elements incompanion relation to said rst elements and movable relatively theretoand permitting unlocking of the lock only when said second elements arein position to permit predetermined registry between the companionelements at the respective registry points dened by said rst elements,means supporting said first elements enabling the latter to be moved inorder to differently locate the registry points defined by said rstelements, and an external lock operating knob operatively connected forselectively rotating said second group of register elements in thenormal operation of the lock, and operative to rotate said first groupof register elements when the combination of the lock is to be changed.

3. A combination lock comprising register means adapted to defineregistry points, a plurality of rotatable tumblers permitting unlockingof the lock only when said tumblers are in position to permitpredetermined registry between said register means and said tumblers atthe registry points defined by said register means, means holding saidregister means enabling the latter to be moved in order to diiferentlylocate said registry points, and an operating knob common to all of saidtumblers for rotating the latter.

4. A combination lock comprising a plurality of rotatable tumblers,means for transmitting rotation from one of said tumblers to the next,register means normally held against rotation with said tumblers whenthe latter are rotated in the normal lock releasing operation, meanssupporting said register means enabling the latter to be rotated withsaid tumblers, and a single operating member for rotating said tumblers.

5, A combination lock comprising a plurality of relatively rotatabletumblers, a plurality of register ele-ments coasting with said tumblerswhereby the lock can only be released when said tumblers havepredetermined registry with said register elements, said registerelements remaining substantially stationary in the normal operation ofthe lock, but being rotatable for the purpose of changing thecombination of the lock, means supporting said register elements,normally holding the latter against rotation with said tumblers butpermitting the release of said register elements to enable said elementsto rotate with said tumblers, and an external operating member foroperating all of said tumblers.

6. A combination lock comprising a plurality of tumblers, a plurality ofrings each comprising a register portion dening a registry pointindividual to one of said tumblers, and a common operating member forrotating all of said tumblers, said rings being rotatable to shift theirregister portions for changing the registry points of said tumblers.

'7. A combination lock comprising a plurality of rotatable tumblers eachhaving a register notch therein, a plurality of register members mountedconcentrically of said tumblers, each of said latter members comprisinga register lug dening a registry point individual to one of saidtumblers, at which point the registry of the lug with the notch in itscompanion tumbler permits opening of the lock, an operating member forselectively rotating said tumblers, and means for normally holding saidregister members stationary, but enabling the latter to be released forrotative movement to change the combination of the lock.

8. A combination lock comprising a plurality of relatively rotatabletumblers each having a register projection thereon, a plurality ofregister members mounted concentrically of said tumblers,

each of said latter members comprising a register opening defining aregistry point individual to one of said tumblers, at which point theregistry of the opening with the projection on its companion tumblerpermits opening of the lock, an operating member for selectivelyrotating said tumblers, and means for normally holding said registermembers stationary, but enabling the latter to be released for rotativemovement to change the combination of the lock.

9. A combination lock comprising a plurality of relatively rotatabletumblers, a plurality of register elements coacting with said tumblerswhereby the lock can only be released when said tumblers havepredetermined registry with said register elements, said registerelements being held against rotation in the normal operation of the lockbut being rotatable to shift their register portions for changing theregistry points of said tumblers, releasable holding means adapted toengage with said register elements for holding the latter againstrotation, and an external operating knob operatively connected to rotatesaid tumblers and to rotate said register elements when said elementsare released.

10. A combination lock comprising a plurality of relatively rotatabletumblers each comprising a register portion, a plurality of rings eachcomprising a register portion dening a registry point individual to oneof said tumblers, said rings being held against rotation in the normaloperation of the lock, but being rotatable to shift their registerportions for changing the registry points of said tumblers, shoulders onsaid rings, releasable holding means adapted to engage with saidshoulders for holding said rings against rotation, and an external lockoperating knob operatively connected to rotate said tumblers, and alsooperative to rotate said rings when the latter are released.

11. A combination lock comprising a casing, a shaft extendinglongitudinally of said casing, said shaft being held against rotationbut being capable of longitudinal movement in said casing, a pluralityof locking rings in said casing mounted concentrically relatively tosaid shaft, said rings remaining substantially stationary in the normaloperation of the lock but being capable of relative rotation to permitchanging the combination of the lock, each of said locking rings havinga lock releasing registration portion, non-rotatable spacing meansinterposed between said locking rings in said casing, a plurality ofrelatively rotatable tumblers mounted on said shaft, each of saidtumblers having a registration portion therein adapted to coact with theregistration portion of a companion locking ring, said tumblers normallylying in planes offset from the planes of said locking rings but beingmovable longitudinally into the planes of said rings when the registerportions of said tumblers are in registry with the register portions ofsaid rings, a knob mounted on said shaft and operatively connected totransmit rotative movement to said tumblers and to transmit longitudinalmovement to said shaft and tumblers, a non-rotative member co-actingbetween said knob and the end of said casing, a spring click eiiiectivebetween said knob and said non-rotative member for indicating theadvancing steps imparted to the successive tumblers, said casing havinga longitudinal slot therein, each of said locking rings having a seriesof notches around its periphery adapted to align with said slot, and apivoted nger adapted to swing down into said slot for engaging in thealigned notches of the several locking rings after the combination ofthe lock has been changed.

12. A combination lock comprising a plurality of relatively rotatabletumblers each having an irregularity or aligning point therein, aplurality of register members mounted concentrically with relation tosaid tumblers, each of said register members having an irregularity oraligning point individual to one of said tumblers at which point thealignment of the irregularity with the corresponding irregularity of thecompanion tumbler permits opening of the lock, an operating member forselectively rotating said tumblers, and means for normally holding saidregister members stationary, but enabling the latter to be released forrotative movement to change the combination of the lock.

13. A lock comprising a register element remaining fixed in the normaloperation of the lock, a tumbler capable of being so positioned withrelation to said register element as to permit unlocking the lock, andmeans whereby the tumbler may be used to move the register element sothat the unlocking position of the lock may be changed.

ARTHUR H. WOODWARD.

